Chocolate Brownie Sundae

Chocolate Brownie Sundae is a decadent dessert classic featuring warm, fudgy brownies topped with cold, creamy ice cream and drizzled with rich chocolate or caramel sauce. Whether enjoyed solo or as a shared treat, this timeless indulgence satisfies every sweet craving with its contrasting textures and irresistible flavor combination.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is incredibly easy to assemble and endlessly customizable. The pairing of hot and cold, soft and crunchy, chocolatey and creamy, makes for an unforgettable experience. Perfect for dinner parties, birthdays, or quiet nights in, this sundae is a foolproof favorite that never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips or chunks
• Vanilla ice cream (or flavor of choice)
• Chocolate or caramel sauce
• Optional toppings: chopped nuts, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, sprinkles

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in cocoa powder. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in granulated and brown sugar, then beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.
4. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just mixed, then fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool slightly before slicing.
6. To assemble, place a warm brownie square on a serving plate or bowl.
7. Top with one or two scoops of ice cream.
8. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce.
9. Add optional toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or cherries.
10. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 sundaes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Assembly Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes

Variations

• Peanut Butter Brownie Sundae: Swirl peanut butter into brownie batter and top with peanut butter sauce.
• Mint Chocolate Sundae: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream and drizzle with chocolate ganache.
• Mocha Sundae: Add espresso powder to the brownies and use coffee ice cream.
• Fruit Topped: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries as a fresh contrast.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the brownies.

storage/reheating

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave a brownie slice for 15–20 seconds before topping with ice cream. Assembled sundaes should be served immediately and are not suitable for storage.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Yes, for convenience, a boxed mix works well. Homemade gives you better texture and richness.

What type of ice cream pairs best?

Vanilla is classic, but chocolate, coffee, caramel swirl, or cookie dough are also great.

Can I make the brownies ahead?

Absolutely. Bake them up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.

How do I make it extra indulgent?

Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the brownie and the ice cream.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, chocolate, and ice cream alternatives.

Should brownies be underbaked?

Slightly underbaked brownies make for a gooier texture that’s perfect for sundaes.

Can I freeze the brownies?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

What sauces go best with this?

Chocolate fudge, caramel, peanut butter sauce, or even berry compote.

Can I serve this in a glass?

Yes, layer brownie cubes, ice cream, and toppings in a sundae glass for a parfait-style version.

Is this dessert suitable for large gatherings?

Yes, you can bake brownies in bulk and set up a sundae bar for guests to customize their own.

Conclusion

Chocolate Brownie Sundae is the ultimate dessert experience, combining the best parts of brownies and ice cream in one indulgent dish. Rich, warm, creamy, and completely satisfying, it’s a dessert you’ll return to again and again. Simple to prepare and impossible to resist, it’s always a hit.

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